Hibs Blogzone

SPFL Restructured: What Should Hibs Stance Be?

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Following all the debates, recriminations, fall out and self servitude of the recent SPFL vote we now know an EGM will be held on May 12th with chief protagonists Rangers & Hearts at the forefront of a witch-hunt against the league’s bosses.

The Ibrox club demand for a full investigation into “the vote” which effectively handed titles to all sides currently top of their respective divisions was mired in controversy with Dundee’s casting vote apparently delayed/cast/changed (delete as appropriate to whichever you believe.)

The outcome was far from ideal for supporters of the majority of all clubs. Arguments can be made by fans from every SPFL outfit from Aberdeen to Annan. The question should be more straightforward: Is there a correct outcome which would please everyone?

Rangers are determined to stop Celtic’s 9 in a row charge. They’ll do everything in their power to prevent 9. They’ve failed on the park so is the global pandemic of the novel coronavirus a blessing for their statement happy board? You bet it is. The overriding stench from their newly appointed, proper Rangers man, PR guru suggests little has changed since Jim Traynor exited stage left.

A null and void season was never on the cards. The variables exposed could bankrupt many clubs. Would TV money have to be refunded? Season books? Advertising? What about win bonuses. Will players have to return them for matches wiped from the history books?

Therefore a decision has to be taken. Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean it’s not in the best interests of the majority. The majority voted in favour. End of story, let’s move on so far.

As things stand the most disproportionate punishment is being meted out to Partick. Stranraer can have no argument about a potential relegation, our city rivals Hearts can also feel peeved as they’d believe they could pull off the great escape however badly the statistics pile against them.

Brechin were facing a tasty playoff against either Kelty/Bonnyrigg or Brora. Any of the Lowland/Highland sides would’ve fancied their chances against a side plying their trade in the Championship barely 2 years ago.

The SPFL reconstruction group looks set to propose a 14 team top league. If this is the vote setup surely it can’t be for one season only. It would stink of Ann Budge, rightly so, looking after no.1.

As much as we as Hibs fans would have a right good laugh at Hearts demise should they go down, we’d rather the issue was sorted on the field of play. A forced demotion is a punishment even if it’s our neighbours.

If the season is unable to be finished and a 14 team league, as the likely proposal for the start of 20/21 should Hibs vote in favour?

The argument for yes is persuasive. There’s not too many visiting sides who wet your appetite prior to coming to Easter Road.

The fans are up for it against Rangers, Hearts and Celtic. Against the rest it’s mainly rustling sweetie papers and abuse of the referee. Do we really want to cut the Derby from our yearly calendar?

Livingston’s proposal of a 2 up 2 down Premiership is fair. It’s a long term vision which would also see relegation scrapped this season with clubs promoted. Brora and Kelty would gain league status. Brechin, Stranraer, Partick and Hearts preserve their positions within the structure. It would seem a sensible proposition. It’s unlikely to catch on.

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